University at Albany and National Grid Foundation Establish GreenDependence Scholarship Program

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 9, 2012) -- The University at Albany and the National Grid Foundation (NGF) today announced the establishment of a GreenDependence scholarship fund. The $10,000 stipend will be presented to a UAlbany undergraduate student who demonstrates strong 'green' leadership. The scholarship will be awarded at the end of the fall 2012 semester.

"The University at Albany is a natural choice to establish the GreenDependence Scholars Program," said National Grid Foundation President Bob Keller. "UAlbany is not only one of the country’s finest research and academic institutions, but serves as a leader in the campus sustainability movement and personifies the principles of GreenDependence."

With Green career employment opportunities expected to reach an estimated $1.5 trillion by 2030, the sustainability/energy sector can provide unparalleled opportunities for students who seek careers in fields from law to architecture to the culinary arts.

The goal of the GreenDependence Scholars program is to develop the next generation of environmental stewards by employing sustainable practices in their chosen career. The student receiving the scholarship will likely hail from the UAlbany’s Living-Learning Community, 'World of Environmental Sustainability.'

"This important scholarship endorses UAlbany's efforts in sustainable living and research," said UAlbany Vice President for Student Success Christine Bouchard. "Through the National Grid Foundation, we now have the means to support and inspire students to live green and pursue careers in sustainability."

Prospective students would be chosen for their environmental leadership on campus. Candidates must be entering their sophomore year and come from an underserved community. Once awarded, the student would pursue environmentally related electives or core courses over their remaining three years of school.

UAlbany is one of five schools selected to receive the prestigious NGF scholarship, along with the University of Rhode Island, Stony Brook University, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and Medger Evers College.